Gentital Herpes FAQ
What is Genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a viral sexually transmitted infection which is caused by the herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). The virus is characterized by painful, re-occuring outbreaks of weeping blisters similar to cold sores, but appearing on the genitals and surrounding areas.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and it is possible to experience vastly different symptoms from other people. Some people get no symptoms at all, some will get and itchy rash, and so on. It is also common to experience flu-like symptoms during an outbreak, such as fever, joint and muscle pain, headaches and general tiredness or lethargy.
Genital herpes is present in around 1 in 5 people in the United States, and this number is rising. Around 80% of people carrying the virus do not know they have it, either due to experiencing very light symptoms or none at all, or due to misdiagnosis.
Warning: These are pictures of male and female genitals so do not click if such images may offend or upset. To see some images of what genital herpes can look like, click here.
How did I get it?
Transmission of genital herpes occurs during sexual contact, including vaginal, oral or anal sex. Around 70% of people with genital herpes acquire it from a sexual partner that has no symptoms and is unaware they have it.
Myths and Misconceptions
There are many misunderstandings surrounding genital herpes. It is still a taboo disease, and upon diagnosis many people feel they are ‘dirty’ or ‘tainted’ and may feel that they will never have a satisfying sex life again. This is simply not true.
Many people feel depression or anxiety over genital herpes, due to the fact that being a virus, genital herpes stays in the body forever. This fact alone can cause much undue stress, fear and anxiety, which in turn causes breakouts to occur (stress is a major trigger for HSV-2 outbreaks) and intensify, creating a vicious cyle.
Genital herpes, just like the cold sore virus, does stay in the body forever, but it responds very well to treatment. Different treatments will work better for different people, but there are a few on the market that are the most effective across the board. See our treatment reviews for more information.
Daily treatment and a good diet can stop outbreaks from occurring, and outbreaks get less and less intense and frequent as you get older.
What can I do about it?
The first step is to start treatment. If left untreated, outbreaks will occur more frequently and will be more intense and long lasting. There is also a much higher risk of transferring the disease if it is left untreated, as viral shedding times (the time when the virus is most likely to be transferred) will be increased in duration.
There are many choices in treatment including prescription medicine, lab formulated treatments, all natural alternatives, homeopathics, home remedies and essential oils, diet supplements and immune boosters.
Once you've reviewed and selected a treatment, check out our 'Home Treatment and Remedies' Page for more tips on lifestyle, diet and home treatments.
My treatment isn’t working!
The most effective treatment will vary from person to person, so don’t lost heart if one or another doesn’t work for you. Thats what this site was created for! You may have been told that anti-virals are the only way to treat herpes, or that only natural treatments should be used. Niether is true, it depends on the person in question, frequency of outbreaks, severity, the health condition of the patient, diet, lifestyle, and a thousand other factors. Try another treatment and try not to get stressed or anxious over it, stress is a major trigger for outbreaks. You’ll eventually find your ideal treatment. Many, many people who have experienced great anguish over not responding to prescribed antivirals have had great success with homeopathic treatments, and others have had great success with simply modifying diet and lifestyle.
Also remember that the first few outbreaks are usually the most intense, they will get easier to deal with as time goes on, especially once the right treatment is found.
Is there anything else I can do?
There sure is. Click here to go to our 'Home Treatments and Remedies' section, which contains tips on diet, home treatment and remedies and lifestyle that can help you get herpes under control.